Ice Melts around Pets – from Pet Poison Helpline.

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2013/11/really-safe-ice-melt/

Is there really a “safe” ice melt?

By: Caley Chambers, 2015 DVM Candidate
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Extern, Pet Poison Helpline

MaddieThis is the author’s dog, “Maddie,” a 5 year old female golden doodle. Winter is one of “Maddie’s” favorite seasons. Her favorite outdoor winter activity is to bury her face deep into the snow and repeatedly give herself “face washes.”

Winter is quickly approaching and it won’t be long before the roads, sidewalks, and driveways are covered with chemicals used to melt ice (ice melts). If dogs aren’t eating them, they are at least walking through or playing in them!  Ice melts pose a problem with both oral ingestion and dermal contact.  There are many brands of ice melts on the market but the major ingredients are sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium salts (calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium acetate, and calcium chloride), and urea based products .  Before suggesting a safe ice melt to a client it is critical to know information about the ice melt’s ingredients.

Sodium chloride:

Large ingestions of sodium chloride can lead to sodium toxicosis and a dose of 4g/kg of sodium chloride can be lethal to dogs.  Mild ingestions lead only to gastrointestinal  upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, but dogs eating large amounts of this type of ice melt can develop  hypernatremia with central nervous system signs, dehydration, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, and death.

Potassium chloride:

Increased intake of potassium, as seen with large ingestions of potassium chloride salts, is unlikely to produce sustained hyperkalemia unless renal excretion is impaired in the dog.  Potassium chloride, however, is a severe irritant and can cause gastrointestinal irritation to the point of hemorrhagic vomiting or diarrhea.

Magnesium chloride:

Ingestion of ice melts containing magnesium chloride can be irritating and result in gastrointestinal upset.  In addition, hypermagnesemia can occur with very large ingestions, but is unlikely to occur unless the dog has renal disease.

Calcium salts (calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate):

Calcium salts are the most hazardous as they are the most severe irritants of all the ingredients in ice melts.   Ingestion of calcium salts can cause severe gastrointestinal signs as well as local irritation from dermal (skin and paws) contact.  Large ingestions of calcium salts are unlikely to increase serum calcium concentrations because multiple other factors are needed to absorb the calcium.

Urea:

Urea based ice melts are generally the ones labeled as safe for use around pets.  Ingestion of urea usually leads to salivation and mild gastrointestinal irritation, but large ingestions may result in weakness, tremors, and methemoglobinemia.

All types of ice melts have a potential to be hazardous.  In general, most ice melt exposures are limited to gastrointestinal upset and local dermal irritation but there is a potential for more serious, life threatening side effects.  It is important to educate clients on the potential risks of exposure and inform them of proper storage and use so that exposures can be avoided.

Holiday Pet Poisoning Myths Debunked from Pet Poison Helpline:

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2013/12/holiday-pet-poisoning-myths-debunked/

Holiday Pet Poisoning Myths Debunked!

 

Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT
Associate Director of Veterinary Services, Pet Poison Helpline

 

Myth #1 – Poinsettias are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

 

Although they have a bad reputation, the relative toxicity of poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) has been quite exaggerated.

 

Toxic principle: The most problematic component of the plant are the irritants found in is its milky white sap.

 

Symptoms: As the plant is chewed and the sap ingested, mild and self-limiting oral irritation, salivation, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Contact of sap with the skin may also result in mild dermal irritation, redness and itchiness.

 

Treatment: The majority of cases can be managed at home. Induction of emesis should be considered in the case of massive ingestions. Occasionally, supportive care such as anti-emetics, gastroprotectants and rehydration may be necessary. In cases of skin contact, simply bathing the animal with soap and water is sufficient to remove the sap.

 

Prognosis: Excellent provided severe vomiting and diarrhea do not result in dehydration.

 

MistletoeMyth #2 – Mistletoe is highly toxic to dogs and cats.

 

American mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.), the iconic holiday plant under which ‘couples like to stop’, also has an exaggerated degree of toxicity. Rumors of its toxic nature are largely due to confusion with its cousin, European mistletoe (Viscum spp.)

 

Toxic principle: The toxic agents of most significance are glycoprotein lectins which may inhibit protein synthesis and result in cell death.

 

Symptoms: Ingestion of American mistletoe leaves or berries may cause lethargy, vomiting and, less frequently, diarrhea. In rare cases hypotension (low blood pressure) may occur.

 

Treatment: Most ingestions can be managed at home. In some cases, general supportive care such as anti-emetics, gastroprotectants and rehydration may be necessary. Should clinical signs such as hypotension occur, monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate are warranted.

 

Prognosis: Excellent in the majority of ingestions.

 

Myth #3 – Fruit cake is a healthy holiday treat.

 

While fruit cake may be a desirable food for people, it can actually be deadly to pets.

 

Toxic principle: Grapes, raisins and currants are common ingredients in fruit cakes and can result in kidney failure in dogs if ingested. Additionally, fruitcake that has been soaked in rum or other alcohol may lead to ethanol intoxication.

 

Symptoms: The ingestion of grapes, raisins and currants may lead to acute vomiting followed by increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy and a decreased appetite as kidney failure progresses. Alcohol ingestion may lead to a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Animals ingesting alcohol can experience seizures and respiratory failure.

 

Treatment: Following the ingestion of grapes, raisins and currants, the immediate induction of vomiting is often advised. This may be followed by activated charcoal, aggressive IV fluid administration (to protect the kidneys) and frequent monitoring of kidney laboratory values.

 

For animals ingesting alcohol, the induction of vomiting may be contraindicated if the animal has neurological depression or has had spontaneous vomiting. The administration of activated charcoal is not recommended. Instead, IV fluids, warming measures and frequent monitoring of glucose and other laboratory values may be necessary.

 

Prognosis: For animals ingesting either grapes/raisins/currants or alcohol, the prognosis is excellent if animals are treated before signs begin. Once they have begun to develop kidney failure from grapes, raisins or currents, or have developed significant neurological depression and low blood sugar from alcohol, the prognosis becomes much worse.

 

TinselMyth #4 – Tinsel and ribbons are pet-friendly decorations.

 

Long, thin pieces of tinsel or ribbon may make beautiful decorations but could prove deadly if ingested. Cats and small dogs are at the highest risk for developing severe health problems following tinsel ingestion.

 

Toxic principle: While tinsel is not poisonous, ingestion can result in a linear foreign body. This occurs when something “stringy” wraps around the base of the tongue or anchors itself in the stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. As the intestines contract and move, the string can slowly saw through the tissue, resulting in severe damage (with possible puncture) to the intestinal tract, peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity) and death.

 

Treatment: Removal of the tinsel or ribbon via abdominal surgery followed by hospitalization, pain management, IV fluids, prescription diets, antibiotics and frequent monitoring of laboratory values.

 

Prognosis: Good if the animal is treated before severe signs and intestinal damage result. If the intestine is perforated the prognosis becomes much worse.

Poinsettia’s and Mistletoe are usually non-toxic!

The toxicity of both Poinsettia’s and Mistletoe have been highly over-rated. They both can cause a mild (usually self-limiting) upset stomach. Most cases can be managed at home.  If you have any questions call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline.

MistletoeJO

Here are 2 articles from Pet Poison Helpline:

 

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/mistletoe/

Mistletoe

Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs

Level of toxicity: Generally mild to moderate

Common signs to watch for:

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hypotension
  • Walking drunk
  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Death

There are several types of mistletoe which can be poisonous to pets: Phoradendron serotinum (American variety) and Viscum album (European variety). The American mistletoe is less toxic than the European varieties of it. Berries from this holiday plant contain polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins. When accidentally ingested by our pets, mistletoe poisoning can result in mild signs of gastrointestinal irritation (e.g., drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain). When ingested in large amounts, abnormal heart rate, collapse, hypotension (low blood pressure), ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death have also been reported.

To be on the safe side, keep your mistletoe out of reach of your dogs and cats during the holidays. If you suspect your pet has ingested mistletoe, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for treatment recommendations.

Poison type: Plants

Alternate names: Phoradendron, Christmas yuletide plants

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2013/12/holiday-pet-poisoning-myths-debunked/

Holiday Pet Poisoning Myths Debunked!

Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT
Associate Director of Veterinary Services, Pet Poison Helpline

Myth #1 – Poinsettias are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Although they have a bad reputation, the relative toxicity of poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) has been quite exaggerated.

Toxic principle: The most problematic component of the plant are the irritants found in is its milky white sap.

Symptoms: As the plant is chewed and the sap ingested, mild and self-limiting oral irritation, salivation, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Contact of sap with the skin may also result in mild dermal irritation, redness and itchiness.

Treatment: The majority of cases can be managed at home. Induction of emesis should be considered in the case of massive ingestions. Occasionally, supportive care such as anti-emetics, gastroprotectants and rehydration may be necessary. In cases of skin contact, simply bathing the animal with soap and water is sufficient to remove the sap.

Prognosis: Excellent provided severe vomiting and diarrhea do not result in dehydration.

MistletoeMyth #2 – Mistletoe is highly toxic to dogs and cats.

American mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.), the iconic holiday plant under which ‘couples like to stop’, also has an exaggerated degree of toxicity. Rumors of its toxic nature are largely due to confusion with its cousin, European mistletoe (Viscum spp.)

Toxic principle: The toxic agents of most significance are glycoprotein lectins which may inhibit protein synthesis and result in cell death.

Symptoms: Ingestion of American mistletoe leaves or berries may cause lethargy, vomiting and, less frequently, diarrhea. In rare cases hypotension (low blood pressure) may occur.

Treatment: Most ingestions can be managed at home. In some cases, general supportive care such as anti-emetics, gastroprotectants and rehydration may be necessary. Should clinical signs such as hypotension occur, monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate are warranted.

Prognosis: Excellent in the majority of ingestions.

Myth #3 – Fruit cake is a healthy holiday treat.

While fruit cake may be a desirable food for people, it can actually be deadly to pets.

Toxic principle: Grapes, raisins and currants are common ingredients in fruit cakes and can result in kidney failure in dogs if ingested. Additionally, fruitcake that has been soaked in rum or other alcohol may lead to ethanol intoxication.

Symptoms: The ingestion of grapes, raisins and currants may lead to acute vomiting followed by increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy and a decreased appetite as kidney failure progresses. Alcohol ingestion may lead to a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Animals ingesting alcohol can experience seizures and respiratory failure.

Treatment: Following the ingestion of grapes, raisins and currants, the immediate induction of vomiting is often advised. This may be followed by activated charcoal, aggressive IV fluid administration (to protect the kidneys) and frequent monitoring of kidney laboratory values.

For animals ingesting alcohol, the induction of vomiting may be contraindicated if the animal has neurological depression or has had spontaneous vomiting. The administration of activated charcoal is not recommended. Instead, IV fluids, warming measures and frequent monitoring of glucose and other laboratory values may be necessary.

Prognosis: For animals ingesting either grapes/raisins/currants or alcohol, the prognosis is excellent if animals are treated before signs begin. Once they have begun to develop kidney failure from grapes, raisins or currents, or have developed significant neurological depression and low blood sugar from alcohol, the prognosis becomes much worse.

TinselMyth #4 – Tinsel and ribbons are pet-friendly decorations.

Long, thin pieces of tinsel or ribbon may make beautiful decorations but could prove deadly if ingested. Cats and small dogs are at the highest risk for developing severe health problems following tinsel ingestion.

Toxic principle: While tinsel is not poisonous, ingestion can result in a linear foreign body. This occurs when something “stringy” wraps around the base of the tongue or anchors itself in the stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. As the intestines contract and move, the string can slowly saw through the tissue, resulting in severe damage (with possible puncture) to the intestinal tract, peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity) and death.

Treatment: Removal of the tinsel or ribbon via abdominal surgery followed by hospitalization, pain management, IV fluids, prescription diets, antibiotics and frequent monitoring of laboratory values.

Prognosis: Good if the animal is treated before severe signs and intestinal damage result. If the intestine is perforated the prognosis becomes much worse.

Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Touch of Outdoors litter

JoJoschoice

My cat litter experiment: I originally used Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat litter Ultra. This litter was great, but a bit dusty. I switched to Rainbow Food’s generic brand and found that it was cheap but VERY dusty. Next I tried Swheat – JoJo ate it. I tried Pine – he wouldn’t even go in the box. Then I tried Blue Natural which is crushed walnut. It produced a dark brown dusty powder. Also – the cats would track it and it looked like stool. Finally, I found this new Dr. Elsey litter called Touch of Outdoors. I’m not sure about some of the promises (it’s supposed to bring the outdoors experience in) – but it does have much less dust (no airborne dust). It looks like we have a winner!

Is sidewalk salt dangerous to your pet?

Is sidewalk salt dangerous for my pet?

Published: Jan 20, 2012

The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Most de-icing products used on sidewalks and roads contain sodium chloride or calcium chloride, which can irritate paws or make a dog or cat sick if ingested, AccuWeather reports.

 

When walking your dog, don’t allow them to eat snow or lap at any puddles, as there could be ice melting products that will make them sick. If you have an outdoor cat, there’s not much you can do to prevent them from accidentally ingesting de-icer. However, you can help out by cleaning its paws, so it won’t be able to lick any chemicals from the pads.

 

When your furry friend comes inside after walking through snow-covered or wet areas, you should wipe its paws with a damp towel to remove any de-icer. This will help to avoid irritation and prevent your pet from licking its paws, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea in cats and dogs. you can also consider putting boots on your pet’s paws before they go outside.

 

Other clinical signs that a pet has eaten snow or drank water containing de-icer may include excessive thirst, weakness, fainting and poor muscle function, according to PetEducation.com. The site also explains that in severe cases, ingesting toxic ice melting products can result in coma, seizures and even death.

 

If you suspect that your pet has eaten de-icer, you should bring it to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible for treatment.

THIS ARTICLE IS REPRINTED FROM:

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/news/pet-news/is-sidewalk-salt-dangerous-for-my-pet/213

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving2013

The Hard Truths about Veterinary Care

http://hstdvm.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/the-hard-truths-about-the-costs-of-veterinary-care/

This is an article written by a friend. I couldn’t have said it better.

The hard truths about the costs of veterinary care

 

 

For those of you who didn’t see the trashy piece of journalism, here is a link: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/veterinarian-honest-20987714

 

I know that I only have a small voice on this blog, and I know that I will never change the minds of people who truly believe that veterinarians are a bunch of crooks.  However, I cannot stay silent right now because I know that thousands of honest, hardworking, compassionate veterinarians have been harmed by this report.

 

Let me lay a few things out for you.  First of all, NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY goes into veterinary medicine because of the money.  If someone enters veterinary school dreaming of the fortune they will make when they graduate, they are an idiot.  The fact is, we all chose this profession because we want to help animals and we love science.  That is it.  If we wanted to make money, we would have gone to human medical school, or mechanic school, or school to become a Wal-Mart manager.  Just to give you an idea, the average starting salary of a newly graduated veterinarian is around $45,000-$55,000.  That may sound like a decent living, but we are medical doctors, and often are graduating with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.

 

Second, when we make recommendations to owners, whether it is to get their pet on Heartworm preventative, or schedule a dental cleaning, or biopsy a suspicious mass, we are doing it because we are advocating for what is best for the pet. I want every single one of my patients to live long and happy lives.  If I see a dog with an incredibly painful mouth, I will strongly recommend a dental cleaning with extractions.  If I see a cat that is older and getting skinny I will recommend blood work to check and make sure that he isn’t developing diabetes, or thyroid disease, or kidney disease. If I see a mass on a dog that could potentially be cancerous, I recommend immediate removal and biopsy, since many skin cancers in animals can be cured by early surgical intervention.   I don’t recommend these things because I see dollar signs.

 

In fact, if you were to ask most veterinarians, we would tell you that discussing charges and estimates with owners makes us uncomfortable.  If I know an animal needs treatment, I have my technicians come up with the estimate and discuss it with the owner.  I often stand outside the door hoping that the owner has the ability to do what is best for the pet.  Many technicians encourage their veterinarians to NOT be part of the payment process, because frankly we suck at it.  We get our heartstrings tugged on quite easily, and will start marking off charges that we should account for.

 

I have seen countless veterinarians cut charges for struggling clients, search for the most cost effective source of medication, take payments, and care for and adopt out orphaned animals without charging anyone a cent for the care that they have provided.  I have seen veterinarians set up “Angel” funds at their hospitals to help people that don’t have money to pay for the treatment their animal needs. I have seen veterinarians struggle with depression and burnout as they try to navigate dealing with accusations that they are allowing animals to die just because the owner has no money.

 

Here’s another hard truth…it is not a right for anyone to own a pet.   If you buy or adopt a pet, you are taking responsibility for its health and life.  You are agreeing that at the very least you will provide basic veterinary care for your new family member.  If you buy a pet that you do not have the money to at least vaccinate, don’t blame us for being cruel and heartless when you can’t come up with the money to treat it when it comes down with Parvovirus.  If you buy or adopt a pet that you do not have the money to spay or neuter, don’t accuse us of being money grubbing thieves when you can’t come up with money to do an emergency spay or to treat your dog that has been hit by a car because he was not neutered and was roaming around the neighborhood.

 

Veterinarians have the right to make a living. Our hardworking staff has the right to make a living. The only way this happens is if we charge for our services. The only way we ensure our clinics are stocked with the equipment and medication we need to treat your pet is to charge for our services.

 

Let me explain another truth. If you know of a veterinarian who is “super cheap,” I am telling you right now that the vet is super cheap because they cut corners.  They may do things like reusing needles and syringes, not offer pain medication to animals undergoing surgery, not maintain sterility in surgery, or not stay up to date on the best treatments and medications available. Most owners don’t know what goes on behind the scenes of the super cheap clinics, and I have a feeling most of them would be shocked if they knew.

 

Now, are there people in my profession who are dishonest?  Of course!  You find them in any profession. Even Men of God are not totally clean in this regard (Remember Jim Baker?). If you have had the misfortune of dealing with one of these vets, I am sorry and shame on them. They don’t deserve to be in this profession. Trust me though, they are few and far between.

 

I am proud to be in this profession. I feel honored to be among men and women who are some of the most caring, compassionate people on the planet. I feel blessed to count myself among those who have been called to help the most helpless of patients.

 

To any fellow veterinarians that may read this posting…don’t get too down. Have faith that our profession’s compassion and dedication will ring out much louder and clearer than any junk piece of journalism. The vast majority of your clients are grateful for what you do, and the world is a much kinder place with you as part of it.

As a follow-up: http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=829681

Dr. Marty Becker severs ties with ABC
Longtime Good Morning America contributor makes decision after 20/20 report critical of veterinarians.



DVM360 MAGAZINE

A regular guest on Good Morning America and several other television shows, Marty Becker, DVM, told dvm360 today that he is ending his longtime relationship with ABC. This comes after Becker says producers of 20/20 misled him regarding an interview he gave for the show’s Nov. 22 segment, “Is Your Veterinarian Being Honest with You?” which suggested that practitioners push unnecessary vaccinations and procedures to build their bottom line.

“I will no longer work with the ABC network effective Nov. 27,” Becker says in his statement. “I’ve enjoyed the 17 years we worked together and made many lifelong friends along the way. I deeply appreciate all of the opportunities I had on Good Morning America to promote the things I love: pets, pet owners and my beloved profession. However, for a number of reasons, I have made the decision that it’s time I move on.”

Earlier this week Becker was still trying to decide if he wanted to continue working with ABC. He said friends encouraged him not to jeopardize the relationship that gave him a platform to talk about veterinary medicine. However, today that relationship came to an end. Senior producers involved with Friday’s 20/20 broadcast did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

Becker says he will continue to represent the veterinary profession in mainstream media. He is a contributor to The Dr. Oz Show on CBS, and he says he has interviews lined up with National Public Radio and other news outlets in the wake of the 20/20 report. He also remains a spokesperson for VetStreet, a pet owner education and communication website, as well as an associate at two veterinary hospitals in north Idaho.

“Thank you to the veterinary community that has supported me in my mission to educate pet owners, and to the millions of loyal viewers, many of whom I hear from via mail, e-mail or chance encounters in public,” Becker’s statement reads. “I most recently had a woman come up to me in a hotel in Iceland and say, ‘Aren’t you Dr. Becker, the veterinarian on Good Morning America?

“You’ll still find me on network TV in 2014 and beyond,” Becker concludes. “As they say, ‘Stay tuned!’”

True Raw Choice Pet Treats Recall!

True Raw Choice Pet Treats Recall

https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/true-raw-choice-pet-treats-recall/

 

 

November 20, 2013 — Health Canada has announced Your True Companion Pet Products is recalling its True Raw Choice Bulk Dehydrated Natural Pet Treats due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.

 

True Raw Choice Pet TreatsRecalled products include:

 

  • Duck Feet (Lot 228870)
  • Duck Wings (Lot 213825)
  • Chicken Feet (Lot 214733)
  • Lamb Trachea (Lot 225215)
  • Chicken Breast (Lot 154339)

 

A total of 280 total cases of the affected treats were sold in bulk at various pet food stores across Canada.

 

Editor’s Note: Even though the recalled products may have been purchased in Canada, they may also have been carried home to pets in the United States. So, be sure to check your own records for purchase information.

 

About Salmonella

 

Pets such as dogs and cats (and their food) can carry Salmonella bacteria. People can get infected with the bacteria from handling pets, pet food or feces.

 

Symptoms of salmonellosis often include:

 

  • Sudden onset of fever
  • Stomach cramps
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

 

What to Do?

 

Consumers should contact Your True Companion Pet Products at 855-260-5024 if unsure if the product you have is affected or not.

 

As of November 8, 2013, all affected products have been disposed of in the market place.

 

Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.

 

U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

 

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Help for Pets Who Eat too Fast!

41EVu+uy+3L

My cat, Tubby, is one of those cats who eats his food REALLY fast. He often vomits after inhaling his food (I almost named him Hoover). Recently, I purchased a Durapet Slow-Feed Bowl to see if it worked. Well, it does! Tubby actually takes longer to eat than my other cat, JoJo. There is also less vomiting! I would highly recommend giving this product a try if you have a similar situation. The bowl is stainless steel – very sturdy. It’s also easy to clean. I would avoid plastic bowls like this because they can lead to issues with chin acne in cats.

Questions about Trifexis?

Questions about Trifexis®? Talk to your veterinarian.

A November 2013 media report has focused on some pet owners’ beliefs that their dogs died due to the use of Trifexis®, a heartworm preventive and intestinal parasite and flea therapeutic. There also have been statements on social media alleging illness and death due to the medication. The manufacturer, Elanco, and the FDA are aware of these complaints.  According to reports, the deaths have not been definitively linked to the drug.

Our hearts go out to those who’ve lost their pets and who feel it may be due to a medication. It’s always difficult to lose a pet, and we know it can be even harder to lose one unexpectedly. However, heartworm and parasite prevention is critical to your pet’s health, so please do not stop giving your pet his or her preventive. Contact your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s preventive medication or would like to discuss other medication options.
We encourage all pet owners to consult with their veterinarians if they have any questions about their pet’s medication, including the possible risks associated with its use and any measures that can be taken to reduce those risks.

If you feel your pet has experienced an adverse event from a medication, consult your veterinarian immediately. To report an adverse event associated with a veterinary drug, you should contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer is required to provide this information to the FDA.

For more information about heartworm and its prevention, visit the American Heartworm Society’s page.